Complaining or murmuring is something we all do from time to time, but the Bible has strong words about this behavior. What can we learn from the Israelites’ experience in the wilderness, and how does God want us to approach dissatisfaction in our lives? Let’s find out.
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What Does The Bible Say About Murmuring
Exodus 16:7
“In the morning you will see the glory of the Lord, because he has heard your grumbling against him. Who are we, that you should grumble against us?”
This verse highlights the displeasure of God towards murmuring and grumbling. It reminds us that when we complain or murmur, we are essentially grumbling against the Lord Himself.
God wants us to trust in His provision and have a grateful heart, rather than allowing discontentment to lead us into murmuring.
Numbers 14:27
“How long will this wicked community grumble against me? I have heard the complaints of these grumbling Israelites.”
Here, God expresses His frustration with the Israelites’ constant murmuring and complaining. He refers to their grumbling as wickedness and emphasizes that He hears their complaints.
This verse reminds us that God is aware of our murmuring and it displeases Him. It challenges us to cultivate a heart of gratitude and avoid grumbling against God.
Psalms 106:25
“They grumbled in their tents and did not obey the Lord.”
This verse speaks of the Israelites’ murmuring and disobedience towards the Lord. Their grumbling reflected a lack of trust and obedience to God’s commands.
It serves as a warning for us to examine our hearts and ensure that we are not allowing murmuring to hinder our obedience and faithfulness to God.
John 6:41
“At this the Jews there began to grumble about him because he said, ‘I am the bread that came down from heaven.'”
Here, the Jews murmured because they struggled to comprehend Jesus’ claim that He is the bread that came down from heaven.
This verse reminds us that murmuring can arise from a lack of understanding or acceptance of God’s truth. It challenges us to seek understanding and trust in God’s Word, even when it may be difficult to comprehend.
Philippians 2:14
“Do everything without grumbling or arguing.”
This verse provides a clear instruction for believers to avoid murmuring and arguing in all situations.
It encourages us to cultivate a spirit of contentment, gratitude, and unity, knowing that our attitudes and actions should reflect the character of Christ.
James 5:9
“Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!”
This verse warns believers against murmuring or speaking negatively about others within the Christian community. It cautions that such behavior may lead to judgment from the Lord.
It serves as a reminder to promote love, unity, and edification in our interactions with fellow believers, rather than engaging in murmuring or gossip.
1 Peter 4:9
“Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.”
This verse instructs believers to display hospitality towards one another, without murmuring or complaining.
It emphasizes the importance of serving others with a joyful and willing heart, reflecting God’s selfless love and care for His people.
Jude 1:16
“These people are grumblers and faultfinders; they follow their own evil desires; they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage.”
This verse describes individuals who are characterized by murmuring, faultfinding, self-centeredness, and manipulation.
It serves as a warning against engaging in such behavior and encourages believers to pursue humility, selflessness, and genuine love for others.
Matthew 20:11
“When they received it, they began to grumble against the landowner.”
In this parable, the workers who received the same pay as those who worked fewer hours murmured against the landowner’s generosity.
This verse reminds us to avoid comparing ourselves to others and to be content with what God has provided for us, rather than succumbing to a murmuring spirit fueled by envy or a sense of entitlement.
Mark 14:4
“Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, ‘Why this waste of perfume?'”
This verse recounts the disciples’ murmuring in response to a woman anointing Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume.
It serves as a reminder to avoid murmuring or judging the worship and acts of devotion of others, recognizing that true worship is not defined by monetary value or human standards.
Acts 6:1
“In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food.”
This verse highlights a situation in which murmuring arose within the early Christian community due to perceived neglect of certain widows.
It reminds us to address and resolve issues of injustice or neglect in a spirit of unity and love, without allowing murmuring to divide the body of Christ.
1 Corinthians 10:10
“And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel.”
This verse references the Israelites in the wilderness who grumbled against God, resulting in severe consequences.
It serves as a warning against the danger of murmuring and reminds us of the importance of trusting in God’s faithfulness and provision, rather than allowing discontentment to lead us astray.
1 Timothy 5:13
“Besides, they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also busybodies who talk nonsense, saying things they ought not to.”
This verse speaks of individuals who were idle and engaged in gossip and idle talk.
It reminds us of the destructive nature of murmuring and emphasizes the importance of using our time and words wisely, avoiding idle chatter that can lead to murmuring or spreading discord among others.
James 4:11
“Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a fellow believer or judges them speaks against the law and judges it.”
This verse strongly discourages believers from slandering or speaking negatively against their fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.
It reminds us to guard our tongues and promote love, grace, and unity within the body of Christ, rather than engaging in murmuring or damaging the reputation of others.
1 Peter 5:3
“Not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.”
This verse exhorts leaders within the church to lead by example, rather than exercising their authority in a domineering or self-serving manner.
It reminds us that leaders should nurture a loving and servant-hearted attitude, avoiding murmuring and promoting unity and spiritual growth among those they lead.
1 Corinthians 6:7
“The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated?”
This verse addresses the issue of believers taking legal action against one another within the church.
It challenges us to prioritize reconciliation, forgiveness, and peace over personal desires, grievances, or murmuring, recognizing that our ultimate allegiance is to Christ’s kingdom.
Exodus 16:8
“Moses also said, “You will know that it was the Lord when he gives you meat to eat in the evening and all the bread you want in the morning because he has heard your grumbling against him. Who are we? You are not grumbling against us, but against the Lord.”
In this verse, Moses points out that the Israelites’ murmuring was directed not towards him or Aaron, but ultimately against the Lord Himself.
It serves as a reminder that when we murmur or complain, we are questioning God’s provision and faithfulness. We are called to trust in His sovereignty and goodness instead of murmuring against His plans.
Numbers 11:1
“Now the people complained about their hardships in the hearing of the Lord, and when he heard them his anger was aroused. Then fire from the Lord burned among them and consumed some of the outskirts of the camp.”
This verse shows the consequences of the Israelites’ murmuring as God’s anger was kindled against them, resulting in fire consuming some part of the camp.
It serves as a reminder that murmuring not only angers God but also invites His discipline. It challenges us to foster a heart of gratitude and contentment, even in the midst of hardships.
Psalm 78:19
“They spoke against God, saying, ‘Can God spread a table in the wilderness?’
This verse reflects the Israelites’ murmuring and doubting God’s ability to provide for them in the wilderness.
It reveals the sinful tendency to question God’s power and provision, and it challenges us to trust in His faithfulness, even in the most difficult circumstances.
Proverbs 19:3
“A person’s own folly leads to their ruin, yet their heart rages against the Lord.”
This verse speaks to the self-inflicted consequences of a person’s foolish choices and actions.
It warns against murmuring or blaming God when we suffer the consequences of our own decisions, and instead encourages us to take responsibility for our choices and seek His guidance and wisdom.
Isaiah 29:24
“Those who are wayward in spirit will gain understanding; those who complain will accept instruction.”
This verse speaks of the transformation that occurs when individuals turn from murmuring and complaining to seeking understanding and accepting divine instruction.
It reminds us that a humble and teachable heart can lead us away from murmuring and towards growth in wisdom and understanding.
Job 21:4
“Is my complaint directed to a human being? Why should I not be impatient?”
Job, in the midst of his suffering, questions why he should not express his complaint and impatience.
This verse reveals the human inclination towards murmuring and impatience in difficult circumstances. It challenges us to trust in God’s timing and sovereign purposes, even when we face trials or hardships.
Lamentations 3:39
“Why should any living mortal, or any man, offer complaint in view of his sins?”
In this verse, the lamenting author questions the legitimacy of complaining when considering the reality of personal sins.
It challenges us to maintain a humble posture in our grievances, recognizing our own faults and relying on God’s grace, rather than engaging in murmuring or self-righteousness.
Philippians 4:11
“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.”
This verse expresses the apostle Paul’s contentment in all circumstances, regardless of his needs or situations.
It serves as an example for us to cultivate a spirit of contentment and trust in God’s provision, rather than allowing murmuring and discontentment to take hold of our hearts.
Colossians 3:17
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
This verse encourages us to approach all aspects of our lives with an attitude of gratitude and a focus on honoring the Lord.
It reminds us that thankfulness should permeate our words and actions, guarding against murmuring and promoting a lifestyle of praise and worship.